• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Assignee Login
Cultural Awareness International

Cultural Awareness International

Customized Global Intercultural Solutions & Destination Services

A certified woman and minority owned company
  • SOLUTIONS
    • Cross-Cultural Training for Global Businesses
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Language Training
    • Employee Relocation Services
  • ABOUT CAI
    • Our Story
    • Our Approach
    • Locations
  • CAI BLOG
  • CONTACT US
Home » Why Do We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Why Do We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

May 6, 2014 by CAI Editor

Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo, a festive celebration held in many regions around the globe.  Mistaken by many outside of Mexico to be Mexico’s Independence Day, it is actually a day to commemorate the military victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 (an underdog’s story of a people’s struggle to remain independent).  By 1862, both British and Spanish forces had withdrawn from Mexico, but the French remained in an attempt to establish a monarchy. On May 5, 1862 inadequately equipped Mexican forces under Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza clashed with French troops killing approximately 1,000 French troops. While Zaragoza won the battle, Mexico ultimately lost the war and the French installed Maximilian of Austria as Emperor.  Finally, in 1867 Mexico was able to drive the French out and restore the Mexican government.

Celebrated only sporadically in Mexico, it gained popularity in the USA during the 20th century.  Initially the Mexican-American community began embracing the day as a time to celebrate their heritage.  Today it has gained mainstream popularity even in many cities and towns without a large Hispanic population. Festivities, especially in the USA, usually include parades, eating, dancing, drinking and sombrero-wearing party-goers.

Cinco de Mayo has helped bridge a cultural divide.  It is truly a celebration of the power of community and the importance of sharing with and learning from the vast array of cultures surrounding us.

mexico-cancun-beach-mojito-glass-cold-pina-colada-free-stock-photo

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Your One-Stop Shop for Cultural Awareness and Relocation Solutions
  • 2021 Global Mobility Trends and Cross-cultural Training Needs
  • Learning a New Language in 5 Easy Steps
  • Eid Mubarak from our CAI Family
  • Is That a “Yes-Yes” or a “Yes-No”?

Categories

  • CAI News
  • Cross-cultural Training
  • Culture
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Expatriation and Repatriation
  • Generations
  • Holidays and Traditions
  • Language Training

Footer

About CAI

Cultural Awareness International (CAI) provides cross-cultural training, language programs, and global relocation services to clients worldwide.

Contact

+1 (214) 691-4113
cai@culturalawareness.com
Career Opportunities

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn Share on LinkedIn

Learning

CAI News
Country Profiles
Cross-cultural Training
Expatriation and Repatriation

Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.